Following approval from Argyll and Bute Council, work will begin on building the £8m distillery and visitor centre in November, with Ardnahoe’s first spirit expected in early 2018.

The distillery, which will be situated on four acres of land on Islay’s north-east coast near Port Askaig, will be capable of producing 500,000 litres of spirit in a typical Islay style, although only 200,000 litres will be produced in its first year.

Ardnahoe will be the first distillery owned by independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co., which owns brands such as Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare and Hepburn’s Choice.

Andrew Laing, director of Hunter Laing & Co, said: ‘Since starting our company we’ve seen a huge demand for Islay whisky around the world, and now is the perfect time to make the progression from blenders and bottlers to distillers, and secure our own supply of Islay single malt.’